Matdot Art Center Presents: Epic Imprints – The Ramayana and Mahabharata on Early Bengali Woodcuts

Matdot Art Center proudly unveils a collection of ancient woodblock prints from India, narrating the epic tales of the Mahabharata and Ramayana. These masterpieces, crafted by Bengali printmakers, are featured as illustrations in storybooks curated by Jyotirmoy Bhattacharya.

During British colonial rule, the arrival of the printing press in the 18th century revolutionized communication in India, transitioning from handwritten manuscripts to printed books. By the 19th century, illustrated books gained popularity, with woodblock prints enriching visual storytelling. The establishment of government art schools in 1854, influenced by European art concepts, brought formal art education to Bengal, training students in engraving, lithography, and illustration. This development significantly contributed to the growth of illustrated publications.

The anonymous creators of these woodblock prints demonstrate remarkable skill, blending European printing techniques with ancient Indian mythology. These works transformed Sanskrit epics into accessible vernacular narratives, bridging traditional Indian stories with modern printing technologies. This fusion laid the foundation for Bengal's enduring artistic and cultural identity.

Epic Imprints: The Ramayana and Mahabharata on Early Bengali Woodcuts will be open to the public free of charge from January 27 to February 27, 2025, at Matdot Art Center, Lan Luang Road, Pom Prap Sattru Phai, Bangkok. The exhibition's opening ceremony will be held on Monday, January 27, at 6:00 PM.